Stroke is the name given to a "brain attack". It is a sudden loss of ability as a result of damage to the brain. The damage causes brain tissue to die (this is called an infarct).
What Causes Stroke?
A Stroke is caused by an interruption in the blood supply to the brain. This interruption is most often caused by the blood vessels getting blocked (an ischaemic stroke), or by the blood vessels bursting getting blocked (an ischaemic stroke), or by the blood vessels bursting (a hemorhagic stroke). Ischaemic strokes are the most common.
Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to the brain. Without a blood supply, brain cells can be damaged or destroyed and will not be able to function.
Because the brain controls almost everything the body does, damage to the brain can affect many functions of the body. The brain also controls how we think, learn, feel and communicate, so these prosseses can also be affected.
Stroke can cause many problems depending on which part of the brain is affected. These symtoms are usually very sudden. Common problems include ;
Transient Ischeaemic Attack (TIA)
A TIA is sometimes called a mini-stroke. It is caused when very short time. The Symtoms are similar to a stroke but they resolve quickly. A TIA is a warning that there is a problem and there is a high risk that the person could have a more severe stroke. It should be taken seriously and preventative action taken rapidly.
Main Tupes of Stroke
A stroke can happen to anyone, but some people are more at risk. Risk may be didided into those that can be reduced, and those that can not.
Modifiable risk factors :
There is no cure for stroke, once the damage to the brain has occured it cannot be completely reversed. Therefore prevention is very important. It is estimated that 90% of strokes can be prevented. Although this goal is difficult to achieve there are a few key things that can easily be done to decrease the risk of stroke.
Smoking doubles the risk of stroke because it damage ages the arteries (blood vessels), which increase the risk of the artery becoming blocked.
Healthy eating is essential for a healthy heart and bloodstream. Salt intake should be decreased as it raises blood pressure. Foods that contain a lot of fat should be reduced, including red meat and fried food. Body weight should be controlled to avoid obesity. Fresh fruit and vegetables (but not fried) should be eaten regularly.
Monitor medical conditions. It is very important that high blood pressure (hypertension), heart desease, high cholesterol, or diabetes are regularly monitored at the local health centre.
Doctors can prescribe medication to help keep these conditions under control. This medication can include medicine to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, to control diabetes, to keep the heart in a normal rhythm and to thin the blood.
People who have had a stroke of TIA at a higher risk of another stroke. After a first stroke all conditions should be closely monitored and appropriate medication and lifestyle changes made in order to prevent another stroke.
Sources : AMI, Health Massenger, www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to the brain. Without a blood supply, brain cells can be damaged or destroyed and will not be able to function.
Because the brain controls almost everything the body does, damage to the brain can affect many functions of the body. The brain also controls how we think, learn, feel and communicate, so these prosseses can also be affected.
Stroke can cause many problems depending on which part of the brain is affected. These symtoms are usually very sudden. Common problems include ;
- Weakness or paralysis - often on one side of the body, of the leg, arm and face. This seakness on one side of the body is known as hemiplegia ;
- Altered Sensation - Usually a decrease in the sensation or numbness;
- Altered Speech - speech may be slurred, words unclear or the person completely unable to speak at all;
- Altered comprehension - the person may not be able to understand what is being said to them;
- Confusion or undeadiness;
- Unresponsiveness;
- Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight;
- A sevee headache (less common).
Transient Ischeaemic Attack (TIA)
A TIA is sometimes called a mini-stroke. It is caused when very short time. The Symtoms are similar to a stroke but they resolve quickly. A TIA is a warning that there is a problem and there is a high risk that the person could have a more severe stroke. It should be taken seriously and preventative action taken rapidly.
Main Tupes of Stroke
- Haemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke, blodd in artery, blood leaks out of artery wall which is damaged.
- Ischaemic stroke, artery wall, patches of arheroma in lining of artery, blood cannot flow past blood clot from on atheroma on artery wall or comes from another part of the body and gets stuck.
A stroke can happen to anyone, but some people are more at risk. Risk may be didided into those that can be reduced, and those that can not.
Modifiable risk factors :
- Smoking
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Abnormal blood lipid (fat) levels
- Too much salt in the diet
- Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
- Previous stroke /TIA
- Age - the older you are the higher your risk
- Family history of stroke
- Ethnic background - people of Asian, African and African - Caribbean origin are more likely to have a stroke.
There is no cure for stroke, once the damage to the brain has occured it cannot be completely reversed. Therefore prevention is very important. It is estimated that 90% of strokes can be prevented. Although this goal is difficult to achieve there are a few key things that can easily be done to decrease the risk of stroke.
Smoking doubles the risk of stroke because it damage ages the arteries (blood vessels), which increase the risk of the artery becoming blocked.
Healthy eating is essential for a healthy heart and bloodstream. Salt intake should be decreased as it raises blood pressure. Foods that contain a lot of fat should be reduced, including red meat and fried food. Body weight should be controlled to avoid obesity. Fresh fruit and vegetables (but not fried) should be eaten regularly.
Monitor medical conditions. It is very important that high blood pressure (hypertension), heart desease, high cholesterol, or diabetes are regularly monitored at the local health centre.
Doctors can prescribe medication to help keep these conditions under control. This medication can include medicine to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, to control diabetes, to keep the heart in a normal rhythm and to thin the blood.
People who have had a stroke of TIA at a higher risk of another stroke. After a first stroke all conditions should be closely monitored and appropriate medication and lifestyle changes made in order to prevent another stroke.
Sources : AMI, Health Massenger, www.nhlbi.nih.gov
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